Uchiha Chen and the other Ninja Academy students were enjoying a time of peace.
Most of them had yet to realize that war was approaching, and no one would be able to escape it.
At the same time, the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, entered the Hokage Building.
The Hokage Building had been erected on the eve of Konoha's founding. It could be said to be Konoha's oldest building.
This was where missions were usually assigned and official business handled.
As the Third Hokage walked down the corridor leading to his office door, he felt somewhat unsettled.
Even as Konoha Village's Hokage, there were times when he had to compromise.
That had already been proven several years ago.
Today was precisely one of those times.
The Third Hokage wore a white Hokage Robe. Smiling at the Anbu guard who had been stationed in the corridor, he asked, "How is it? Tired?"
The ninja immediately straightened up and replied excitedly, "Lord Hokage, thank you for your concern. I'm not tired!"
Sarutobi Hiruzen patted his shoulder. "Relax. No need to be nervous."
"Have our advisers arrived?" Sarutobi Hiruzen asked.
The ninja immediately answered, "They're already in the office."
Sarutobi Hiruzen nodded and gave the guard a friendly wave. He continued along the winding corridor toward his office.
The Third Hokage walked slowly. He did not know what Konoha was about to face this time.
Relying on the instincts he had developed over many years in power, he sensed that this was different from the localized minor conflicts of the past.
He had grown up during the final years of the Warring States Period.
He had lived through the First Great Ninja War.
After the Second Hokage died in an ambush in the Land of Lightning, he had been temporarily appointed Hokage.
At the